Useful checklists for motorhomes

When you first own a motorhome there seems to be a thousand things to do – though after a couple of trips most of it comes naturally.

In the meantime, however, here are some checklists to help you avoid missing out something vital.

Setting off checklist

You can print out this checklist to use when you next venture out with your motorhome.

Here we list some of the things you may need to do when you head off with your motorhome. You might even consider laminating your checklist if there’s a chance of rain...

When you leave home the first couple of points may already be covered, but you’ll need to remember them when you leave a campsite.

Turn off the gas at the cylinder

Empty the fresh- and waste-water tanks and clean out any toilet cassette in an appropriate place

Check the motorhome’s windows and roof lights are closed, internal doors and cupboards are closed, loads are safely secured and the habitation door is locked

Check the handbrake is on, especially if you have released it to turn the front seats to make up a bed

Raise the corner steadies, if appropriate

Remove any chocks

Pull clear of the pitch and check the area for anything left behind

Setting up

Once you’ve reached your destination you’ll probably want to set up a few things to make life comfortable. Again, you can print this out to take with you on holiday.

When you first arrive on site, ask whether there’s a motorhome service point. If so, you can fill up with water before you reach your pitch

Once on your pitch, use ramps under the wheels to level your vehicle, if necessary

Consider chocking the wheels, especially with vehicles that require the handbrake to be taken off so the driver’s seat can be turned to make a bed

Wind down the corner steadies if you have any

You’re now ready to use your motorhome, but there are some final preparations you may want to make before you can really relax. Depending on the complexity of your unit, they may include:

- Connecting the mains power cable to the motorhome and on to the hook-up point, checking the residual current device (RCD) is working correctly
- Turning on the fridge
- Collecting fresh water
- Positioning the waste-water collector
- Adding toilet fluids
- Turning on the gas
- Turning on the water heater when you’re sure it’s full of water